ANNOUNCEMENT
Due to the extraordinary need for social distancing, The University of Alabama is operating under limited business operations, which includes essential staffing and remote work assignments. Our goal is to promote social distancing and limit on campus work to the fullest extent possible.
While employees in the department of communications are working remotely, they are available to assist members of the media. Reporters are encouraged to contact the sources below or to use our expert directory to find contact information for other subject matter experts.
BEST BETS
UA SENIOR WORKING PANDEMIC FRONT LINES IN NYC AREA – Aerospace engineering student John Glidden III is volunteering as an EMT and at a drive-thru virus testing site in a suburb of New York City. To set up a video or phone interview with the student, contact Adam Jones, UA Communications, adam.jones@ua.edu.
UA HELPING PROVIDE CORONAVIRUS SCREENINGS IN LIVINGSTON – UA’s University Medical Center and Office for Research and Economic Development are collaborating with Alabama Power and Livingston Mayor Tom Tartt to provide coronavirus screenings in Livingston. Screenings will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon at JAYCEE Park in Livingston as long as supplies last. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
UA STUDENTS PARTNER WITH SCHOOLS FOR REMOTE TUTORING – University of Alabama students will provide free online tutoring and academic engagement sessions for the remainder of the school year in a partnership with Birmingham City Schools and the Tuscaloosa County School System. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Communications, adam.jones@ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY DOWN, NOT OUT – While a variety of industries have suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality industry has taken a major hit due to social distancing. “COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the hospitality and tourism industries, and the effects are profound,” said Dr. Kimberly Severt, director of UA’s hospitality management program. “People aren’t traveling, hotels are closing, conferences are being canceled, restaurants are having to reinvent the way they serve consumers and everyone has taken a substantial financial hit. But the industry is resilient and will eventually rebound. There are many dedicated and innovative people in the hospitality industry who are determined to rebound from this and, together, we will.” Severt is available for interviews and can be reached at ksevert@ches.ua.edu.
UA EXPERTS AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS ISSUES AMID CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC – Faculty at The University of Alabama are available to discuss aspects of the coronavirus pandemic including topics related to health care, education and the economy. This list will be updated, so check back often for new sources. For assistance with reaching any of these sources or for topics not highlighted, please contact Shane Dorrill, assistant director of communications, at shane.dorrill@ua.edu.
NEED A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ON TOPICS MAKING NEWS? – See our frequently updated expert directory here.
VISIT THE UA NEWS CENTER FOR STORY IDEAS.